.

The Ohio Burlesque is honored to take some time to interview one of the most brilliant international performers out there, Dangrrr Doll resides in New York City and she is traveling all over the world some cities have been as far as Vienna and as near as Chicago.

OBF-What do you like about neo? DD:The story! I'm more of a character myself and I love that we have this incredible outlet for revealing the most raw, beautiful stories.

OBF-Last time you were in Cleveland was for the ohio burlesque festival 2013, What are you looking to see while your here?DD:Well, I didn't get to explore much when I was here last so I'm hoping to see a little more of the city. And then I remember there was this little breakfast place we went to with $2.50 full breakfast. I still can't even comprehend that. I could live there.

OBF-What did you like most about Cleveland? DD:Well... ok. Definitely that $2.50 breakfast. I'm super into food and that is just magical. But also, all the people I met there were so lovely! The number one way to make me fall for a city is friendly people.

We took some time to sit down with Ms Sin, She gave us a completely different burlesque number then what we are just to seeing from her this year at the festival. Tell us how did it feel to step outside of the box?

B: It felt really good to be able to be my darker self on stage, It was also terrifying.

OBF-Why do you say Terrifying? B:The idea of multimedia use in performance was very new to me, I partnered with SubPar Studios for the creation of the video and Inagen Productions for the lighting design. Dangrrr Doll made my body cage and Matt Knife help me sew the EL wire to the costuming. It was a very large scale concept that worked our quite beautifully but i did not have that much control of my number this time around. So it was scary to create with so many minds on the table.

OBF-How did you come by this idea? What were the challenges?

B: To be honest i have been wanting to express a multi media piece and i wanted to create a visual, audio sensory theater performance that made people fell some thing.The challenge was working with multiple people to achieve that and making sure there was open communication channels. It was very stressful but rewarding! The images are honest to my childhood influence with religion and mysticism they were a big part of my life when i was young since the pick of the song for this very lyric. "Say something, Pray for something" struck a cord with me and it really was the very thing that sent this number into fruition.

OBF- Bryan do you think this piece is vanguard?Bryan: This piece combines a lot of technology being used in various ways throughout the theater art today. As projection technology gets smaller, brighter, and more cost effective it works its way onto stage in more and more settings. However, much like the renascence of the art of Burlesque combining the vintage glamour and seduction with our fast moving, freedom of expression heavy culture has made way way for both Old School and New School camps, (which can be seen on 9/12/14 at the Beachland) Bella's number is the right mix of technology, art, tradition, and sex appeal. A lot of the aspects of this piece can be seen throughout the theater world, but never has it been put together in this way.

OBF- Bryan what do you think this piece means for your collaboration.

Bryan: As a self proclaimed dreamer who is always striving to try something new and "fake it till you make it" I think this piece ultimately fuels my urge to think big and put myself out there. Bella showed the public a side of herself not often seen by her fans. Her willingness to open up and be vulnerable makes me want to work with her more and more. I'm proud of my contribution but more so I'm proud of being a part of a piece of art so personal. The trust shown from Bella to allow me to add my expression and vision shows strength and respect that anyone would be crazy to not want to be a part of and work with.

OBF-How long have you been performing? DD:I started performing in 2006, but I only did it a few times a year back then. I really threw myself into it in 2010.

OBF-Where have you been touring to? DD:All over! I go up to Toronto a ton, I've been all over the states; recently I was in Europe for a month performing in London, Austria, Berlin, and Hamburg.. And in the next two months I'll be visiting New Orleans, Boston and Detroit, as well as Ohio of course!

OBF-How did you get started? DD:I ran a live Rocky Horror show, and we had a pre show cabaret. When I took over the show from the previous guy... I mean, with love, it sucked. The cabaret sucked. So I started doing burlesque as a way to spice it up.

OBF-What do you like about Old School Burlesque?DD:The attitude. The best part about great classic striptease artists is that they exude this power and control that just draws you in and takes hold of you. It's spellbinding..OBF-Tell us about your design company? DD:Running Dangrrrous Designs is my dream. I'm still just getting started, but I try to come up with new and more exciting ways to barely-clothe performers on a consistent basis...! I specialize in lingerie, strappy things and corsets.

OBF-What are you looking forward to? DD:Rocking the stage! I absolutely live for stagetime, and I'm bringing some of my absolute favorite numbers...!

Dangrrr Doll takes the stage September 12th, 2014 at The Beachland Ballroom and Tavern in The Waterloo Neighborhood. Doors 8:00PM Show 9:00PM Tickets are $15.00 in Advance $17.00 at The door and $20.00 VIP (10 available only) Dangrrr Doll will share the stage with Cleveland's Burlesque Queen Bella Sin

OBF-Cory with Sub Par Studios, What were the challenges in the creation of the number for bella?

Cory: Bella went for a darker and more experimental performance. This is an area she has seldom ventured into. I think this piece really shows that Bella is ready to open herself as a performer and progress her craft. This collaboration opens up many new doors for both myself and our coworkers. With this piece, it shows that there are no bounds.

OBF-Brian with Inagen, What were the challenges of your side of the collaboration?

Bryan: Bella does many things very well, as anyone who has had the opportunity to see her perform knows she is a rockstar and a beauty. What many do not have the chance to see is how good she is at motivating a crew of people to see a bigger picture. Because of her ability to collaborate with the right people this piece came together quite smoothly from my end. I'm sure everyone had their own small problem throughout the creation but one this is for sure is that when it came to be go time, everything worked well together. I think this is a testament not only to the skills of the people involved but the ability for everyone to see Bella's big OBF picture

The innovation in neo burlesque is alive and well all over the world. We recommend you checking out some of the amazing performers in your own home town and state. - OBF

We are buzzing with anticipation for September 12th, 2014. The bar has been raised and the stage is set to see one of the most amazing burlesque show in Cleveland. We trust that your experience will be one that you will talk about for months!

What and amazing 3 nights of burlesque, vaudeville, drag and sideshow. It's been a few weeks and the glitter has settled and the costume have been put away and this year was written in the books as the most successful year yet! Performers from all over the world joined us for an amazing celebration of burlesque and remembrance.

Thursday - Mahall's 20 Lanes Lakewood Dolly Moxy kicked off the show with a very adorable piece, later Erik Tate killed the audience with laughter with his magical comedy act.

Fifi Glitterbomb hypnotized us with her flowing fan movements.

Boobs Raley owned the stage with charisma and energy.

Cast Photo from Thursday Night Opener at Mahall's

Friday Night All Starts!Can we say this night was high energy and a burst of laughs and amazing creative, innovative numbers. Hosted by Foxy Tann from Minneapolis.The night kicked off with comedic magic by The hamburgeler from Ellie Quinn, It continues with the artistic work from Cleveland's Own Eliza Sidecar.

Sanjula from Chicago and Lilli Paralax from Columbus showcased physical strength and bravery in a lavish beautiful way on stage on the friday night stage.

Then RedBone Took Your Boyfriend..... Mic Drop*

Headliners on Friday

Matt Knife from New York City recreated the Red Room from a famous David Lynch Classic "Twin Peaks"

Hypnotic Boylesque with flowing red silk fans, Boy did he set the mood for friday's headlining block!

Bella Sin "Cleveland's Burlesque Queen" Debuted an innovative piece with a darker spin, The Combination of art/video projection. lighting design, light up feather fans and costuming. She took us thru a very powerful visual, audio, sensory theater. raising the bar!

Red Rum from Chicago ended the night with her Catacomb Saints piece leaving the audience ready for so much more! The costume was detailed to the very last bone finger!

Friday Night All Stars Cast at The Beachland Ballroom Stage.

The Saturday Night GalaThe Gala Kicked off with the announcement of our Scroll from Cleveland City Council and our Recognition Letter from The Ohio House of Representatives.

Mizter Scratch from Boston Hosted The Saturday Night Gala That Kicked off Flawlessly! Mika Romantic and Vikki Fahrenheit started the night in style, Red was the choice of color in memory of Dixie for our opening numbers. Siobhan Atomic performed a stunning fan dance in memory of her father. Miss Theresa brought a character to electrifying light and Honey Merlot serenaded us, Then Poison Ivory showed us her love affair with pudding!

Features and Headliers

Feature Cherie Blondell from Columbus giving us good face and a hell of a stocking peel!

The Boston Babydolls were energetic with their group number, Aya Fontaine followed with a timeless old school burlesque piece.

Our Headliner The 2013 Princess of Burlesque Sydni Deveraux from New York City dazzled the crowd with a beautiful star boa and a heck of a figure! She absolutely left the audience gasping for air.

The 4th Annual International Ohio Burlesque Festival will like to say thank you to all our friends, fans, staff, directors, volunteers, vendors, venues, sponsors, attendees, print media, web media, promotional team and performers for all their support and attendance to the festival.Thank you to Ambiance The Store for Lovers for Presenting our Festival! We would also like to thank The City of Cleveland and The State House of Representatives for our wonderful awards.We look forward to an amazing year of volunteerism in representation of The Aids Taskforce of Greater Cleveland. We also congratulate all our Golden Buckeye Award Winners for 2014 !

We are honored to be receiving a special recognition letter from State Representative Nickie J. AntonioThe Ohio House of Representatives.We are very greatful for the support the festival bring to our state and not to mention our city economy, We support local and state wide 501c3s that need funding assistance or just hands on to help around events or the centers. We are ever so grateful and excited for this and we can't wait to receive the award on Saturday Aug 2nd at The Beachland Ballroom during our festival! Thank you Ohio! We Love You!

It's an exciting year for the 4th annual international festival, We are very honored to be receiving a Scroll from Cleveland City Council in recognition of our outreach to the Cleveland Community and our representation of Cleveland thru the 4 years of our international festival. Our staff is beside ourselves with gratitude to our city leaders for this amazing recognition to our efforts to present Cleveland in the best light possible internationally and locally. Our State wide festival is a challenge every year and we are honored and humbled by this award. Our mayor for the second year in a row has welcome festival participants with a written letter to our beautiful city, We are beside ourselves right now and hope that you may join us at the 4th annual international celebration July 31st thru Aug 2nd. Making history this year and we cannot be happier!

We took some time to speak with the amazing legends of burlesque this Thursday evening via telephone interview.

We started off with The Satin Doll herself Toni Elling currently living in Detroit, MI.

Show Director Bella- Miss Elling, It's an honor to take the time to talk to you today. Tell us, what do you remember about Cleveland?

Legend of Burlesque Toni Elling- "I worked at the Jewel Box Revue in Cleveland.It was a show of female impersonators. They were beautiful... that was 50 years ago it seems, they wore some beautiful costumes.. they sure do still wear them. I remember the host most of all she was beautiful and full of energy. I also came to Cleveland to meet Duke Ellington, you see i was helping him write a female drum beat. I came to the club directly after sending my bags to the hotel and I waited for him in the bar, I was there in 1954 ... I was shucks... 26 I think but am not sure" She did let out a big laugh. The song Toni Elling is referring to is "A Drum Is a Woman" that was released in 1954. The club she is referring to is The Theatrical in The Old Short Vincent.

Toni has received the Legend Of The Year Award at The Annual International Burlesque Hall of Fame Reunion and Competition in Las Vegas, 2014.

Show Director Bella- What a treat is to be talking to Val Valentine via telephone interview. She is currently in Toledo, OH. Miss Val Valentine, tell us, what do you remember about Cleveland?

Miss Val Valentine - "Irma the Body and I were good friends. I remember the first time I ever saw Joni was at The Roxy Theater in Cleveland, backstage, in the late '50s. She was making a costume. I remember Jesse Myers was the manager for the theater and it was owned by Fran Bryan and Frank Engle at the time. It had the narrowest walkway in all the business... if you fell in the orchestra pit they would never find you. It was small compared to the other theaters in the business. The stage manager was a woman. Her name was Maddie. Then there was Johnny, he was the stage hand. I have scrap books full of ads of The Roxy."

Joni Taylor - Currently Living in Cleveland, Ohio

She remembers while working in Toledo when she was told that Cindy Parker had died in a car accident around Cincinnati. "You see she was from Kentucky and she was driving up to do the show," Val says. This news shocked her and Rose La Rose who were good friends with Cindy.

Val Valentine is going to be performing at The International Burlesque Hall of Fame Reunion and Competition this year.

Show Director Bella- Camille 2000 currently lives in Florida, what do you remember about Cleveland?

The first time i went on the road to be a feature is when i danced at The Roxy. It was in the late 60s and early 70s and Maddie was a sweet old lady she was the manager at the time, it was a big stage with a skinny walkway. They had a foyer and pictures handing up. They still had a live band when i played there as well. After The Roxy i went to Toledo with Rose La Rose to play up there these places were the Bryan and Engle circuit they called it.

Camille 2000 performed in multiple theaters in Cleveland after The Roxy closed it's doors. She has some ads shown below that she was kind to give us.

Tonight we are full of joy. We are prepping last minute details for the show tomorrow night. We really hope you join us for a great time.

The time to honor our burlesque past is finally upon us, The 4th Annual Roxy Remembered is May 16 2014 at The Beachland Ballroom. This year is the year we complete our budget for our historical marker and launch our indiegogo funding campaign!

Let's get you upto speed -Summer of 2013 We met with The City of Cleveland Department of Landscape Committee after countless months of over night work making our presentation with fellow historian Jessica W. and Ohio Burlesque Director Bella Sin. We managed to received an appointment to be placed on the schedule for the city to review our project. The very meeting it self was nerve wracking but worth every moment.

After making our remarkable presentation, Our project was successfully approved!What was next? Funding; The marker will be an independent structure with need of maintenance and if ever defaced we would need a replacement. Ordering two markers would be the best corse of action but another big expense would be in the installment of the marker. They (installation company) would to dig 10 feet in to the grown pending the (Oops) crews evaluation of the site to make sure no wiring or other under ground blocks are in the area where we would like to put the marker. Above you can see the mock up of the marker in the corner of E 9th and Vincent Street to your left is the paper work we prepared for the meeting .

How big is the marker and what is it made of? The marker is made by a company called Sewah Studios Inc and it's made from Cast Bronze and it's dimensions are 39" Height x 43" W and what holds it is an Aluminum pole that is about 7"-10".Below is our presentation.

The application for The Historical Society of Ohio is now filled and ready for submission pending the city of Cleveland letter of project approval since the side walk is city property we are moving thru the right channels with the city since our project was approved. Once the letter is submitted the site is reviewed and the background history checked by The Historical society of Ohio. We will have a marker ready to be made. The costs of have multiplied quickly and our funding has slowly decreased with multiple hours of research to the archives at The Ohio State University collection of burlesque donated by Charles H. McCaghy available to the public by appointment only along side paper work and other expenses that have come out of pocket. This is a work of love!

Why The Roxy Burlesque Theater and Short Vincent?

The Short Vincent block was the first entertainment district in Cleveland formed to accommodate The Hollenden Hotel and the Large Amount of population seeking entertaiment it was a short strip of bars and restaurants similar to E. 4th Street presently. The Roxy was known as The Family Theater in 1907 on address 1882 E 9th Steet- Later Revamping To The Orphium that was opened for 13 years then it's third renovation in the 1931 with the tittle The Roxy Burlesk Theater (Learn More by watching The Rustbelt Bump and Grind mini Documentary) The Theatrical was a huge staple in Cleveland and it's Jazz history lasting till the 1990's before the closing of the Jazz bar- Currently this building still stands but it's now The Theatrical Parking Lot (The Letters are no longer hung).

The Plain Dealer 2002 - Copyright reserve to PD

Paying tribute to our past is important, We have hired an artist for this very particular project. Drew Auld to put together a nostalgic flyer for this very year. He took the picture below and transported current burlesque performers Bella Sin, Lushes La Moan (Detroit) and Doll Bambino to the very site of The Roxy

The Roxy Remembered Flyer by Drew Auld featuring the cast in the same way The Roxy would have printed it.

This campaign was also printed in black and white to make sure we get the nostalgia of our famous burlesque house intact exactly how they would have it. We took much care to book this show as the burlesque theater would have once booked it, We also shaped the whole night into the very theater show it would have had in the 1940s including Jazz, Burlesque, Variety, Vaudeville, Sideshow and Female Illusion. Packed with group numbers, duets and so much more!

There will be also a commemorative print made by Artist Drew Auld will have for sale at the show!

What a "Remarkable" Memory!

Who is on cast? We search with in our city and our rustbelt to bring you the best old school burlesque possible and here we put present performer photography and yesterdays performers and their photographs so you can see the detail work of our cast and their dedication to the craft of the bump and grind! First Lushes La Moan from Detroit, Bella Sin from Cleveland, Special feature Doll Bambino from Cleveland and our side show guest from St Louis Xander Lovecraft.

Lushes la Moan

Bella Sin

Doll Bambino

Sally The Shape

Miss Wow Wow

Shawna St. Clair

Sideshow and Vaudevillian Xander Lovecraft from St. Louis! Featured on The Humans of New York and multiple international festivals soon to be part of the famous Coney Island Sideshow!

Our Masters of Comedic ceremonies will be Abby Downton and Sonshine La Ray!our show also includes The Tease and Thank You's Burlesque, Eliza Sidecar, Fantasie D'Light, Freddie Pearl, Dahliah D'Luxe, Mahsitti along with many more surprises. Help Us Make Our Dream a Reality!

The Cleveland Burlesque Academy started in December 2013 offering multiple classes and a special 14 week burlesque workshop, This program teaches you about the classic art of burlesque and how to apply it to your every day life.

The workshop is very encouraging of helping the ladies find their inner sexy and brining it out in style, The guidance of seasoned veteran burlesque instructor is key in the journey they take for 14 weeks of schooling. Every single one of these woman has taken the workshop just for fun and some have taken it to pursue a fun hobby or even a career in burlesque. Thanks to Ambiance The Store for Lovers for supporting, housing and sponsoring the academy.

The instructor Bella Sin tells us about the schooling-

Bella Sin- The Academy offers a very nurturing environment that helps women in a very important journey of self discovery, Some of us forget with our hectic every day lives that we are beautiful, sexy, outgoing individuals. That is what we want to help them remember and apply back to their personal life. Some will debut on stage, and some will stand by their new found glitter tribe and support them behind the curtains. These women have grown so much since their December start that you can see their attitude and self stem growing every week. Glitter therapy, as i call it, is the best medicine to some of that blues the soul sometimes sings.

OBF - How involved is the program, Is there plenty of one on one attention?

Bella Sin- This program offers you about 10-14 syllabuses with detailed information about every weekly class , online education support, videos, tutorials, and there is actually homework. As the instructor, i make my self available to answer questions or concerns of my students as we develop their characters and routines. You could say am a very dedicated burlesque mother :) ! I also help students navigate a few personal issues that can be felt through the workshop like self doubt, negative feeling or insecurity in ones self; I want them to feel safe and know they are in a welcome environment.

OBF - Tell us about the Photo shoot with Natalia Dale and How this came about?

Bella Sin- I thought getting these girls in front of a camera for press shot images would be a great instructional. Not only would they learn posing and how to work with photographers, but they would see the side of the biz not many talk about. I had approached Natalia about this as well as Jessica, and we made it happen. I went Burlesque Mother and spoiled them by doing their hair and make up. Let's say when I saw them light up in front of the camera, it was nothing short of moving. When the photographers let me view the images, the only reaction I had was to cry. Here are every day woman and they already look like starlets. It was honestly one of the best photoshoots in my life.

The photographer adds

Natalia Dale- Working withBella's burlesque students was a pleasure! They were all very fun and natural in front of the camera. All the women were well trained and capable of working with the different movements and personalities, as directed by myself and some of their own ideas. As fashion photographer, I work with many types of models. When these girls got in front of the camera, it was clear that they were all prepared and confident.`OBF- We had some time to catch up with student Freddie Pearl in December to give us a review on the class when it was only a few weeks in. Here is what she said.

Freddie Pearl- Though classes have only started two weeks ago, I can honestly say how much the few classes we’ve had have already affected me. Because the class is smaller, we each get individual attention from Bella Sin, our instructor. She will work with each one of us as much as we need her too. She is willing to answer any questions and concerns we may have, and she shares a lot of her knowledge and wisdom. She has made a facebook page just for us, her students, where we can discuss our thoughts and opinions, help each other, and where she will post videos that are oh so helpful. I have to say, joining this class is the best decision I’ve made in years. It has been helpful for finding myself inside and outside of burlesque. It has been so helpful, and I have made many friends. An amazing experience and very helpful class, indeed.

We caught up with Freddie this week and asked her how it's going and how is she feeling the week of her debut! So, Tell us are you ready Freddie?

Freddie Pearl- YES! I'm confident in myself and my abilities to perform my act 150% to my greatest ability. My mind has been expanded in more ways than just performing. It has taught me lessons for everyday life. I made amazing friends while expanding my knowledge of everything. I have learned the ins and outs of being a respected and talented performer. The thing i loved learning the most is being sexy and funny at the same time, This opened my eyes to a whole nother aspect of performance with Bella as our teacher we were given opportunities most people wouldn't dream about. Our instructor is patient and very detailed in the information she gives us, she is not only a teacher to us she is holding our hands as a sister.... You know? helps us walk thru it all - That is priceless.

OBF- Below the Before and After Images are quite amazing- Bella What make up did you use?

Bella- Ben Nye Cosmetics, Dior, IT Cosmetics, and Wet and Wild The application of the make up is key for anyone, We are enhancing the beauty that is already there; to me they are the most brave beautiful girls!

"Celebrating The Love of Old School Hollywood Glamour!"- Says Bella Sin Producer of The Sweetheart Showcase

The show will be held February 14th, 2014 at The Beachland Ballroom and Tavern but this is not a geared valentines day event, This show is highlighting the golden days of cinema and the iconic woman and men that served the this period of time that left such a mark on todays vintage revival.

When one speaks of icons as Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Veronica Lake, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren the first thing that comes to mind is elegance and poise as well as a splash of naughtiness.

" We are beyond excited about our upcoming year in production, We have joined forces with lighting, film and photography teams locally to make our production go to another level. This show is the kick off our our 2014 production year as well as the build up for our 10th year anniversary show on March 8th, 2014"

Let's Talk Cast!

This show is an international affair

Bianca Boom Boom a songstress from Toronto, Canada known for her burlesque signing and pealing acts. She has been all over Canada and The States performing at shows and festivals. This will be her first time in city and state.

She tells us of her love of vintage and who is her favorite silver screen actress-The quality and beauty of the articles are much higher than a lot of what you can find now. The detailing is extraordinary. There is so much personally and uniqueness to each piece you find and you know it has a story behind it that you are continuing. There is also a very special, indescribable feeling you have when wearing a gorgeous vintage dress that not only fits you perfectly but that you know none else will be showing up to the party in! I love Marilyn Monroe!

From our state capitol Columbus, Ohio Cherie Blondell She has been to a number of amazing festival from Chicago to Ohio's, She knows her history well when it comes to burlesque.

She tells us Why she loves vintage & who is her favorite silver screen actress?.

I love vintage because I'm incredibly nostalgic by nature.Things were made more beautiful and interesting "back in the day". Women were true ladies, and their clothing, accessories, hairstyles, makeup- all reflected that. I love vintage because it is part of our history, and being a huge history buff, I like knowing that there is a story behind my vintage dress or tea set. My favorite starlet is Marilyn Monroe (of course)!"- Cherie Blondell

Introducing as a feature from Cleveland Miss Doll Bambino She is just simply ravishing on stage with that iconic smile, She has such and energy on stage that sets her apart for the pack.

She tells us Why she loves vintage & who is her favorite silver screen actress?.

"I love vintage because i really enjoy how the style of bygone eras is so feminine, and still powerful. and you could still wear red lipstick every day without people thinking you were crazy! my favorite starlet is probably jayne mansfield or elizabeth taylor, such classic beauties!"- Doll Bambino

Cleveland's own Burlesque Queen Bella Sin Is joining the cast with her high energy hip shaking and bumping and grinding, Her old school burlesque routines are extravagant.

She tells us Why she loves vintage & who is her favorite silver screen actress?.

My love for the nostalgia of the old comes from my love of books and clothing, I remember looking at old movie stars in my country and seeing them with these amazing costumes and gowns. Breathtaking! When i looked into american vintage i just feel in love with Sophia Loren when i saw her.. that elegance and pure sex appeal! Love her!

The cast of the show includes belly dance, hula hoops dancers, magicians and so much more! Hosted by Abby Downton from London, UK!

The first 20 people get vouchers for The Cleveland Burlesque Academy sponsored by Ambiance.Raffle Tickets For The 10th Year Anniversary Burlesque Show

Burlesque has become such a popular art form again. You see classes popping up in every dance studio in many cities. Then the thought comes to mind about taking one or two for yourself just for fun . . . But wait! Here are multiple things you would want to know about your future instructor, what you may be learning and a few tips and tricks that might help your Burlesqueducation!

Who Are You Is Teaching you?

There are many studios that do have professional dance teachers on staff, but do you know if the teacher is an established burlesque professional? Yes, there are people that choose this as a career path and are in the international scene as educators. New York City has many teachers. Among them, Dr. Lucky is a Ph.D. and faculty member at New York University, where she teaches "The History of American Burlesque" and Jo "Boobs" Weldon, author of "The Burlesque HandBook." Fan Dancer Michelle L'amour teaches out of Studio L'Amour in Chicago. There are multiple burlesque educators with a decade or more of experience. When you are seeking out a burlesque teacher, remember what your learning first. It's not like the Christina Aguilera film, as Dr. Lucky describes in her Interview with Think Big about The Hollywood Movie "Burlesque". Once you figure out what you are learning from the experienced educator, you can really entertain the thought of investing on more classes. You can find great burlesque teachers in your own town, so please search them out!

Tips:Make sure your teacher has at least a 4 to 5 year experience of Burlesque Striptease Techniques. Make sure your educator attends classes for continuous education. A simple Google search pops up Yelp reviews of studios and instructors!Ask Around! Word of mouth in often the best way to check out a class. Drop in to a class just for basic fun! That will help you get that first impression with the educator and the material they will be teaching.

Historical Background

Gypsy Rose Lee Burlesque Legend -

Burlesque has a rich long history. Educating yourself on it's beginnings is key for any one interested in the art form to learn. That will help you understand it's current popularity along with background. Having a moment to understand the difference between Neo Burlesque and Old School Burlesque is important. Some may argue they are the same, but others will make amazing arguments on how different and unique both are. Choose to understand them both and make them a part of your life. Burlesque old or new has multiple teachings that can be implemented in every day life from the glamour of the old to the vivacious variety of the new. The evolution has been amazing thru the centuries and trust us when we say, "You're in for a very wonderful surprise".

Burlesque history is easy to access on the world wide web. There are also movies devoted to it like Behind The Burly Q movie by Leslie Zemeckis that also has a book out now. Check out their website for the info http://www.behindtheburlyq.com/

The Burlesque Hall Of Fame is another good source of history. Located in Fremont Street in Las Vegas, they hold the annual competition for The Reining Queen of Burlesque. It are primarily an organization that prides itself on keeping burlesque history archived, alive and well. Becoming a member is easy and we highly recommend it!http://www.burlesquehall.com/

What Are You Learning?

Every class or long term workshop should offer a Syllabus that provides you with written information about what your are going to learn. Having this as reference material is great for you to do your own research. You can't learn everything about burlesque in a 60 minute class, and having supplemental material will aid you in your understanding of the art form. You should also get a resource of information with book titles and websites that will keep your continuous education right on track. There is blogs, websites, books, documentaries, libraries full of burlesque information that some teachers have to supplement their students with for their classes.

Is There A DIFFERENCE?

Old School Burlesque and Neo *The New* Burlesque are two different animals all together and thru the burlesque evolution it would be noted. Choose to understand them both and make them a part of your life, Burlesque old or new has multiple teachings that can be implemented in every day life. The glamour of the old and the vivacious variety of the new, The evolution has been amazing thru the centuries and trust us when we say "Your In For a Very Wonderful surprise".

The Body Beautiful Mentality

Burlesque is geared towards every body shape and size. Burlesque also knows no gender or sexual orientation preference. This is an art form that can be embraced and appreciated by so many people. There is no reason that any educator should ever turn any one away from a class or workshop for any reason. They should also never make the assumption that burlesque is a one size only form of entertainment, let alone a gender exclusive craft.

The acceptance of your body and it's movement is a unique victory and your instructor should be supportive and excited for this new body positive you. It's never an easy road to one's self acceptance but this art form welcomes you to expose yourself in more then one way to the world but more importantly to the discovery of you. Recently, Bella Sin, our Festival Director, went thru self discovery and she documented her journey in a touching blog.

The Investment

It's not only a time investment, but one that costs you money. You are not paying for an actual hour of class, but for the knowledge and skill that the instructor is giving you. When you learn a craft you want to make sure the investment paid to it your time is also returned -- even if it's just for fun!

Everything in burlesque can be applied in the every day style of life you have, from the walk to the talk. Trust us when we say it's as simple as remembering the few extra details in the morning or setting little reminders to yourself, like a post it note on your bathroom mirror that says, "You Look Beautiful Today" Yes, it's silly, but something you may not think of that will help you get the most out of burlesque!

The investment is quite a lot if you are becoming a performer. Your teacher is like a mama bird getting ready to let you go away from the nest and fly. Your classmates become your family and this glitter tribe will always be an experience that you will cherish having with your new found family.

Calculate your continuous education to your budget of the year. Not every one teaches the same way, so some may know more then others depending on the area they are located in. Burlesque is different all across the US! Think about attending festivals in particular. Trading skills and talking shop with other performers from all over the world could really change your view you can develop being in a small fish bowl. Think of it like an ocean of learning.

The Reward!

Think about how much you have learned, and who you will be by the point you have built this new skill. Think about the new friends and family members and the memories you will have created. How this challenge will set you on fire and be ready reveal a confident woman to the world with a high heeled walk or a new performer exposing a new gimmick to the stage? You never know what you are able to do till you try it!